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GOVERNOR HOCHUL ASKS PRESIDENT BIDEN TO DECLARE COMMUNITIES IN NY DEVASTATED BY FLOODS DISASTER AREAS
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Governor Hochul Also Requests Expedited FEMA Damage Assessment Process, As State Disaster Representatives Already on Ground Conducting Damage Assessments in Hardest Hit Communities
Governor Kathy Hochul Friday afternoon requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery of communities impacted by devastating flooding stemming from this week’s heavy rainstorms, which spanned across much of Upstate New York.
If granted, this declaration would release critical federal financial assistance that will support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Albany, Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Oswego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, and Westchester counties, with the opportunity for additional counties to be added in the coming weeks as the damage assessment process continues.
Additionally, Governor Hochul is requesting federal support for homeowners in Ontario and Orange Counties, as well as an expedited damage assessment process. New York will also be engaging with the U.S. Small Business Administration to pursue low-interest recovery loans for impacted private businesses in the coming weeks.
“My administration is no stranger to extreme weather events and the weather of this past week has shown that not only do we need federal assistance to help recover from these storms, but government leaders at all levels need to prioritize making our infrastructure more resilient,” Governor Hochul said. “I have spoken with The White House, our Senators, and FEMA leadership about the need for a swift approval of this disaster declaration, so we can help New Yorkers recover quickly and efficiently.”
A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments, tribes and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.
THE PROCESS
Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ (DHSES) Disaster Recovery Unit works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the state and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York was devastated with heavy rains and destructive flooding this week and we need to access federal funding to support the long term recovery of impacted communities. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, our teams are working hand in glove with our local and federal partners to support recovery efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
THE STORM
From July 9-10, more than eight inches of rain was reported in parts of the Mid-Hudson Region and more than five inches of rain in Ontario County, in the Finger Lakes Region. From July 10-11, parts of the North Country saw several inches of rain in a short period of time, which caused devastating flooding, closing roadways and damaging infrastructure across impacted regions.
In advance of the storm, Governor Hochul directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets and stay in constant communication with local governments to monitor weather impacts and respond to requests for assistance. As the storms moved across the state, the Governor continued to deploy disaster resources to impacted areas, including additional Department of Transportation staff, who worked to get State highways and bridges open as quickly as possible.
Additionally, Governor Hochul deployed staff from the State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to provide insurance assistance to residents affected by the flooding in Rockland and Orange Counties. Individuals can also call the DFS Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759.
WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JULY 14 REPORT on www.wpcommunitymedia.org
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THE BIG RAIN FLOODS ORANGE AND ROCKLAND, HALTS RAIL SERVICE MTA TO THE RESCUE
HOUSING SALES IN 2ND QUARTER CONTINUE SLUMP–EQUITY THREATENED
COVID FORECAST FOR JULY
NO ACTION ON MIGRANT ASYLUM COURT OR RIGHT TO WORK IN COUNTY NO NEW SHELTERS IN COUNTY
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LITHIUM BATTERIES
ORANGE COUNTY ROCKLAND COUNTY FLOOD DISASTER MILLIONS IN DAMAGE
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
FOR 22 YEARS
APPELLATE COURT RULES NY MUST REDRAW CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS AGAIN FOR THE 2024 ELECTIONS
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WIVB TV BUFFALO LAST NIGHT REPORTED A MID-LEVEL STATE APPEALS COURT ON THURSDAY ORDERED NEW CONGRESSIONAL LINES BE DRAWN FOR NEW YORK FOR THE 2024 ELECTION
THE APPELLATE DIVISION OF THE STATE SUPREME COURT REVERSED A LOWER COURT AND DIRECTED AN INDEPENDENT STATE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION TO START WORK ON NEW PROPOSED STATE CONGRESSIONAL LINES.
THE PREVIOUS APPROVED 2022 DISTRICTS LET STAND BY THE NEW YORK STATE COURT OF APPEALS (UNDER CHIEF JUSTICE, JANET DIFIORI) RESULTED IN CREATING THE PRESENT REPUBLICAN MAJORITY IN CONGRESS. (THE NEW DISTRICTS IN 2022 COST THE DEMOCRATS 4 SEATS IN THE HOUSE).
WHAT KIND OF DISTRICTS WILL PEOPLE BE RUNNING IN 2024?
REPUBLICANS WHO BENEFITED FROM THE NEW 2022 DISTRICTS WILL APPEAL TO THE NY STATE COURT OF APPEALS.
MORE RAIN TO COME UPSTATE GOVERNOR HOCHUL WARNS
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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
“Communities throughout New York were devastated by heavy rainfall and massive flooding this week and unfortunately, Mother Nature isn’t through with us yet. The National Weather Service has increased the risk for severe thunderstorms for today through tomorrow morning in the Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and the North Country.
These storms bring the potential for damaging winds, downed trees, power outages, hail, and even tornadoes.
Even more concerning, the ground remains saturated so any additional rain could cause additional flooding. Our team continues to closely monitor the forecast and the State is fully prepared to support any of our local partners.
In the meantime, I’m asking New Yorkers in the impacted regions to stay vigilant and take common sense precautions: monitor your local forecasts, make sure you have supplies at home, and create a flood evacuation plan with your household. And remember, no matter where you are, never drive on flooded roads — the consequences could be deadly.”
TONIGHTAT 8 “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD”: MILAGROS LECUONA, COUNCILWOMAN EMERITUS ON “WHITE PLAINS TODAY” AT 8 ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM WP CH 76 & WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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ON WHITE PLAINS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. HOW THE CITY HAS CHANGED. WHAT THE FUTURE MAY BE LIKE
COVID IN WASTEWATER INCREASES IN 3 REGIONS: NORTHEAST, SOUTHERN WESTERN
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Wastewater ticks up
I wrote two weeks ago that mid-summer often marks the beginning of a new Covid-19 wave, and that those often start in the South.
Well, I have new news. Biobot wastewater data show an increase in the Southern, Northeastern and Western regions.
Deep dive: State level data is quite messy, and wastewater data providers don’t tell exactly the same story—WastewaterSCAN and NWSS do not show as much of an increase in activity as Biobot. Still, because this is pretty much exactly what I was expecting in terms of summer epidemiology, I think it’s likely a real signal.
For my Canadian readers, there are no noticeable changes in wastewater trends right now.
Why do summer waves start in the South? The old chestnut is that it’s especially hot in the South, so people spend more times indoors with the air conditioning on, without good ventilation and filtration. This explanation gives me pause. The average American spends 90% of their time indoors.
I haven’t found a breakdown showing how that breakdown changes by region or by season, but it’s hard to believe it varies enough to explain the dynamics of a summer wave. In short, I’m content to say it’s still a scientific mystery why summer waves start in the South. If you have data I don’t know about, please send.
What it all means: Overall, the viral concentration in wastewater is still very low — about on par with April, and far, far below what we saw over the winter. Personally, I don’t plan to make any changes (yet) based on this information, other than to keep a closer eye on things. But I know some of my readers need or want to be extra cautious, so I wanted to let you know soonest.
1
This is not a great reference; it dates to 1989. I found several sources that newer cite survey data that also comes in around 90%, but they aren’t high quality sources. In any case, I think it’s safe to say that most people spend a huge majority of their time indoors.
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Diverse Abilities Job Fair Returns on July 18 to Westchester
HOMELAND SECURITY HEAD VISITS NYC TODAY. PLEASE SIR, COULD YOU GIVE GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER A CALL AND DISCUSS THEIR ASYLUM COURT AND MIGRANT WORK REQUESTS, PLEASE
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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. July 13, 2023:
It has been six weeks since County Executive George Latimer and Governor Kathy Hochul pleaded with the Biden Administration to designate judges to establish an interim amnesty court to expedite processing migrants currently housed in three locations in Westchester.
The two top New York State leaders also wanted the migrants to be allowed to work in the county while they stay here and asked for monetary help to house the immigrants and pay for security, health, safety costs. I believe money has been promised, but it is policy toward what happens to the migrants now that matters urgently
Now.
Despite Hochul and Latimer letters sent to the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, six weeks ago, there has been no action yet on either of those two requests.
New York City has been unable to move migrants to other locations in Westchester to relieve the approximately 100,000 homeless and migrant population severely stressing the homeless shelters and services in the city.
Perhaps coincidently, no more migrants currently swelling the New York City homeless facilities have been sent to Westchester to be housed at the request of Mayor Eric Adams.
I asked the county if it has received more requests from Mayor Adams to house more migrants whose numbers fill the NYC shelters in other locations. So far the county has not responded.
I asked the county also if they have other hotels, motels, churches, county facilities or any location at all willing to increase Westchester ability to take on more migrants and relieve New York City. Again, the county has not responded.
It has been six weeks.
The migrants have been model guests according to the County Executive George Latimer. If the county is expecting more migrants shifted to Westchester, a list of possible vacant or commercial venues must be lined up. I hope the county has done this. The county did not respond to this question.
Hopefully Mr. Mayorkis will fit in at least a phone call to Governor Hochul and Mr. Latimer or in interest of time, make a conference call. Please if you have the time, call Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains, Mayor Mike Spano of Yonkers and Mayor of Ardsley whose cities have stepped up to help the migrants and accept Mayor Adams’ pleas for migrant housing to give them an update too.
They are waiting for your call, too.
Not to do so when M. Mayorkis and his bosses have had six weeks since Hochul and Latimer made the request for an Anmesty court and right to work for migrants, he and the Biden Administration plenty of time to think about it is a slap in the face to Governor Kathy Hochul and County Executive George Latimer, and every citizen of New York State and New York City.
While you are here take a plane ride over Rockland, Orange counties, tell FEMA to get a move on and help homeowners who have suffered enormous loss. Trailers, construction crews and money. NOW. We’ve got a disaster here.
The Biden Administration does not care. The priorities are out of whack.
Mayorkis is meeting in a panel discussion with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials this morning. He will also observe U.S. Customs and Border Protection operation at the International Mail Facility to inspect counter narcotics efforts and talk about ongoing DHS operations to stop fentanyl and similar synthetic drugs throughout the country.
Could you fit our Governor and our County Executive and Mayor Adams in, sir?
The Biden Administration is once more kicking the migrant can down the road.
The Biden administration refused to stop states from shipping migrants by bus to New York, instead of collecting them and sending them back.
This politically and physically inept, lack of foresight, is a failure to prevent a nationally disrupting practice enabled unwittingly by irresponsible inept leadership in the Biden administration who did not want to handle the situation. “Hands off” was their policy.
This recalls the State Department refusal to accept Jewish refugees during the 1930s and the course of World War II. (The policy was unflinchingly documented by letters from the U.S. Ambassador in the historical novel In the Garden of the Beast)
Meanwhile in the hot steaming summer of 2023 in New York, the migrants and the rest of New York City homeless are packed in in limbo.
At a standstill: Failure to act on the Hochul Latimer requestions for Asylum Court and migrant allowed to work.
Mayor Adams is stuck. With no policy from the U.S. Government to deciminate migrants orderly and humanely in New York State, the migrant situation is not being addressed.
Let us hope they are not abandoned and sent back to the gang governments of the countries they have fled.
The Biden administration totally mismanaged the Afghan withdrawal.
They are mismanaging this one, too.
THE AFTERMATH: GOVERNOR HOCHUL EXPLAINS WHAT IS NEXT.
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Governor Hochul today in a statement at Grand Central Terminal this morning made this statement:
” So, what we’re going to continue doing is monitoring, making sure that people are aware of circumstances because the last thing we ever want to have, is a situation where people are stranded on a track.
What happened last Sunday, 300 individuals were on a train that had to be stopped because of the damage and the destruction that was wreaked upon the tracks. We had to work so hard to get those people to safety.
They all received an opportunity to get transportation back to their destination. It was hard for these individuals. It had to be a frightening circumstance, but they all endured, and we were there to help them. And I want to thank all the emergency crews, state, local and county, who are there to help rescue these individuals as well.
We are also making sure that going forward our citizens are aware that they will monitor their cell phone alerts.
They’ll pay attention to the weather alerts because I cannot stand here and say this will be the last time that we have in a weather event like we just went through.
As I walk the streets, the lower Hudson Valley, the streets of Orange County, all the way up to Ontario County, the devastation we saw because of unprecedented rain – nine inches in a matter of hours was extraordinary.
Thank God the storm moved on and I’ve spoke to the Governor of Vermont yesterday to offer our assistance because unfortunately, we are very skilled in having to deal with storms of this magnitude.”